Records readily available online
Plan sets and application materials for all permit types issued on or after June 1, 2012, are available for free on Portland Maps. If you are searching for records of permits issued before June 1, 2012, a formal public records request will be required.
- Portland Maps – Search by Address
- Portland Maps – Advanced Search (by permit number or case number)
- Tips for using Portland Maps
- Plumbing Records Search
- Appeal Records Search after September 2003
- Appeal Records Search prior to September 2003
- Recent permit applications and land use intakes
If you are looking for building permits that are not available online, please submit a public records request. Please note: submitting a formal public records request may incur a fee for staff time involved in locating and reviewing the records you request.
Completed land use decisions from 2020 to present are available in eFiles. Enter the land use case file in the search window (for example, LU 21-001350). The full case file includes the decision and exhibits.
Building permit records
The Building Permit Records section maintains copies of plans for issued building, site development, and zoning permits; permit inspection cards; sign permits, and Certificates of Occupancy. This webpage explains how to find and request records online and how to request records by mail.
If you are searching for records of permits issued before June 1, 2012, a formal records request filed through GovQA will be required. Plan sets and application materials for all permit types issued on or after June 1, 2012, are available on Portland Maps at no charge. Enter the address of the property in the search bar and click on the “Permits” button in the “Permits & Zoning” section.
How to request building permit records not available online
- Step one: Make sure that the building records you are looking for are not readily available online using the Portland Maps - Permit and Case Search. Make sure you have the correct property address. If you are unsure of the correct address, please use the City of Portland web-based Portlandmaps.com to find an exact address or Multnomah County Tax ID number (R#).
- Step two: To request records for permits issued before June 1, 2012, log in or create a new account on GovQA.
- Step three: Request the records online through GovQA.
- All building permit applications and plan sets will be provided, unless they are readily available online at Portland Maps.
- Please note: Additional records (listed below) may be available upon request. Please list any specific additional records you are requesting in the GovQA form (under "Describe Records Requested"). Depending on the complexity of the permit history, additional fees may apply. You will be given an estimate of any additional fees and the opportunity to consent before we fulfill the request for additional records.
- Step four: Pay the minimum records request fee via GovQA. A minimum records request fee of $15 per address is required at the time of requesting records.
Please note: We can usually complete records requests within 7 to 10 business days. Depending on the number, size and complexity of the records request, it may require additional time and/or fees for processing.
Additional permit records available upon request
- Trade permit applications and inspection forms:
- Electrical Permits from 1983-1994
- Mechanical Permits from 1960-2005
- Sign Permits from 1970s-2005
- Permit folder information:
- Review process comments
- People associated with the project (applicant, contractor, etc.)
- Checksheets (plan check comments)
- Certificates of Occupancy
- Building Code Appeals
- Information about permits currently under review
Compliance records and public records for enforcement cases
The Property Compliance Division maintains records for Housing, Nuisance, Zoning, Dangerous Buildings, Work without Permit, and Home Occupation Permits.
Complainant Confidentiality: Please note that per ORS 192.502(4), confidential submissions (complainant information) are exempt from disclosure under the Oregon Public Records Law. Complainant information shall be removed from all public records requests.
You can request public records for enforcement cases:
- Online, at the Portland Public Records Request Center (GovQA)
- Call the Property Compliance Help Line.
- If you are interested in information concerning an active case, please call the Property Compliance Help Line, email us, or submit online via GovQA.
To learn more about the program, visit the Code Enforcement webpage.
Land Use applications records management
For active land use applications, contact the planner listed on the land use notice. For completed land use applications, submit online with GovQA. You must have the land use case number. The status of the land use application scan be found in Portland Maps - Permit and Case Search.
Land Use review, pre-application conference and public registry files
The Land Use Services Division maintains all records of land use review, pre-application conference, early assistance, and public registry files.
To make a request to review completed Land Use applications, including land use reviews, pre-application conferences, early assistance appointments, and public registry files, submit online with GovQA. Completed land use reviews from 2020 to present are available in eFiles. Enter the land use case file in the search window (for example, LU 21-001350). The full case file includes the decision and exhibits.
To make a request to review active Land Use applications, including land use reviews, pre-application conferences, early assistance appointments, and public registry files, please contact the planner listed on the land use review notice or listed in Portland Maps - Permit and Case Search.
Note that the completed/active status of land use applications can be found in Portland Maps - Permit and Case Search.
To learn more about the Land Use Review Division, visit the Zoning and Land Use area.
Request other types of public records
For records that do not fall under Enforcement Program, Land Use Division or Resource Records type, for example records related to policies, procedures, or emails, begin your request for public records online.
For information not accessible online, or if you want a complete copy of records we maintain, you may make a record request online or by US Postal mail, depending on the record type.
Mailed records requests should be addressed to:
Public Records Coordinator
City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 5000 Portland, OR 97201
Please note: Records requests not submitted online may take a little longer as it needs to be entered manually. Submittal fees, material costs and staff time costs are applied to public records requests.
Translated records request forms
The official records request form is available in multiple languages to increase accessibility.
You can find the uniform public records request form in languages other than English online from the Auditor's Office.
Media requests for public records
If you are a member of the press, please submit a public records request online.